EC-08. Measurements of the fate of substituted alkoxy radicals

Abstract
Alkoxy radicals are important intermediates in the atmospheric oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The branching ratio between isomerization (leading to larger, less volatile products more likely to form secondary organic aerosol) and decomposition (forming smaller, more volatile products) is of particular interest. In this study we generated specific alkoxy radicals with various neighboring functional groups either via the photolysis of synthesized alkyl nitrites or oxidation of particular VOCs. The effect of neighboring alkyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl, and nitrate groups was studied. The products were quantified with a number of methods, including Tenax, commercial DNPH cartridges, and PFBHA coated denuders for gas-phase carbonyls. The results were compared with predictions made by two different structure activity relationships.